The Queen has cancelled an appearance at a military tattoo in Canada after a row about a flight of steps. Organisers of the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo decided it would be "very, very dangerous" for the Queen to climb up to a 12ft high stage via 17 steps rising at an angle of 60 degrees. The Palace disagreed, stating that if Her Majesty wasn't allowed to speak from the platform, she wouldn't appear at all. Are there any other steps that might defeat the sprightly 83-year-old monarch?

Wembley stadium, London

How many steps? 107 from the pitch to the Royal box.

How steep? "About the same angle as those in the average home," says a spokesman.

Could the Queen climb them? Yes.

The Spanish Steps, Rome

How many steps? 138.

How steep? The website lists "curves, straight flights, vistas and terraces". Not too steep and plenty of places to rest.

Could the Queen climb them? Yes.

The Eiffel Tower, Paris

How many steps? 1,665.

How steep? Most fit people can reach the second level (over 600 steps). The third stage is now closed to the public, who must take the lift.